Left 4 Dead 2 banned in Australia

Brian Ambrozy 16 Sep, 2009 at 10:19pm ET Article published in Gaming

The Office of Film and Literature Classification, or OFLC, is Australia’s governing body that is responsible for classifying video games, films, and books; similar to the ESRB in the United States. A quick glance at the OFLC database shows that Valve’s upcoming Left 4 Dead 2 has received a rating of “RC”, which stands for “Refused Classification”.

What this really means is that Left 4 Dead 2 is now banned from being sold in Australia.

Back in June, we reported that the refusal to classify games not suitable for those over 15 was applicable only to brick and mortar sales; however, the ban now applies to downloadable games as well, which means Australian gamers will not be able to purchase this game over Steam, Xbox Live, or through any other legal channel.

Icrontic Gaming has contacted the OFLC for a statement; we’ll be sure to update you with the info.

UPDATE: 11:15PM EST: We have received word from the OFLC and posted their decision report.

Comments

16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:28pm Cliff_Forster Australia, what the fuck??
16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:30pm ardichoke but... that means I won't get to hear Yahtzee rip L4D2 a new one ;_; CURSE YOU AUSTRALIA!!!! CUUURRRSSSEEEE YOUUUUUUU!!!!!!!
16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:37pm BobbyDigi Yo Australia, I'm really happy for you, I'm gunna let you finish but Thrill Kill was one of the best banned games OF ALL TIME!
16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:40pm Bandrik Okay, now that is another example of sheer bullcrappery. First they don't get root beer, and now they don't get L4D 2?!

I used to consider Australia the only non-North American country I would feel at home at. I now am reconsidering. Bah. (I kid, I still like Aussie-land, but it's still harsh...)
16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:46pm Linc Sometimes I seriously wonder if Australia is actually of British decent or not.
16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:55pm Thrax Apparently Puritan descent.
16 Sep 2009 ~ 10:58pm hayd3z all people of Australia unight and complan to the oflc if we all do this thay will do to Left 4 Dead 2 as thay did to GTAIV
16 Sep 2009 ~ 11:21pm Koreish Yahtzee will just get a NA one like he does for most big titles.
16 Sep 2009 ~ 11:29pm ardichoke Does he? I recall him mentioning in reviews in the past that he's had to wait for the Aussie version to come out before he could get his hands on it and review it. I believe he made a big deal about that in a Rock Band or Guitar Hero review.
17 Sep 2009 ~ 1:29am Champski This is a discrace. Im from OZ, and if i cant buy this game legally, I'll just have to aquire it by some other means i guess... (I'll leave that to your imagination)
17 Sep 2009 ~ 1:39am Mike They can't ban EBay - yay for imports - often cheaper too!
17 Sep 2009 ~ 1:49am Koreish Let me rephrase that. He gets American imports on games like Halo or Mario. Big titles that everyone and their mother are going to buy.
17 Sep 2009 ~ 3:54am CHRIS GUY This is terrible... that's all I have to say.
17 Sep 2009 ~ 7:59am Obsidian Awesome.
30 Sep 2009 ~ 9:38am DD RC just means it's banned for now.... Happened to many games, Bloodrayne, Fallout 3.... they just need to wait/change what OFLC wants them to change